‘Buddy’ing up with Oakland

By Shelly Latshaw

Senior Reporter

Buddy’s pizzeria is showing its support for Oakland University with the addition of a wall mural inside its Auburn Hills location.

The black-and-white collage displays vintage photographs of OU students throughout the university’s 51-year history. Supplied by OU, the historical photographs show how students and the university have evolved throughout the years.

Buddy’s general manager, Matt Heckert, said that Buddy’s decided to put the mural up to show their support for the university and its students.

“We support the students. Not only are they customers but a lot of students work for us,” Heckert said.

Buddy’s has long been a staple of the Metro-Detroit restaurant scene. Established in 1946, owner August “Gus” Guerra decided to add Sicilian style pizza to its menu, which soon became the famous Detroit style square pizza.    

Buddy’s has nine locations throughout the Metro-Detroit area and remains a local favorite of Detroit-area pizza lovers.

Heckert said that Buddy’s now offers more than just good pizza, including a place for students to study, unwind or hang with friends.

“We have a lounge area with free Wi-Fi and electrical outlets, flat screen TV’s and a non-smoking atmosphere,” Heckert said.

Buddy’s also offers a 10 percent discount to OU students and coupons online.

“We hope to have more students come here, since this is so close to the school,” Heckert said.

Buddy’s is open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday 11 am-11 pm, Saturday 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. For more information, visit www.buddyspizza.com.